Ontario is quickly running out of time to strengthen rules aimed at addressing irresponsible behavior from municipal politicians before the upcoming civic election, according to some experts and opposition critics.
The minister overseeing the issue claims he still aims to act before the October vote, but critics say that progress on passing the proposed legislation seems to be at a standstill.
The Progressive Conservative government has brought Bill 9, known as the Municipal Accountability Act, close to completion in the legislative process. The province gathered feedback on the bill last summer through a touring committee and pledged to have it ready ahead of the Oct. 26 municipal election. However, nominations for candidates in Ontario’s 444 municipalities open on May 1.
Municipal law expert John Mascarin expressed his worry that time is slipping away for passing this bill.
“If it’s going to do something, the province better move quickly,” Mascarin said. “That way anyone who is running for office will know that potentially, there’s this theoretical idea up there, that they could be removed if they’re a very, very bad actor.”
Ford government reviewing municipal code of conduct amid Pickering council dispute
The mayor of Pickering along with city council members are urging the province to implement stricter penalties for councillors after one member appeared on a podcast where they were called pedophiles, Nazis, and fascists. As CBC’s Chris Glover reports, Doug Ford’s administration confirmed that a review of the Municipal Act is currently underway.
The proposed new bill would mandate a local integrity commissioner investigate allegations of misconduct. If that individual determined that a breach warranted removal from office, it would then go before Ontario’s integrity commissioner for further evaluation.
If that official also recommends removal, it would be sent back to local council for a decision within 30 days. A councillor could only be removed if all council members not involved in the complaint unanimously agree.
Mascarin stated that he believes this bill is “fatally flawed” and would prefer changes which place ultimate decision-making power into a judge’s hands instead.
“It’s almost next to impossible to get any kind of unanimity at the local level on anything that’s even just quasi-contentious,” Mascarin said. “My prediction is it’s never going to work.”
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Premier Doug Ford’s government has moved Bill 9 through legislative channels successfully; however critics claim progress has stalled prior its final reading (CBC).
Bill ‘deeply flawed,’ says municipal law expert
This marks the PC government’s third effort at introducing legislation focused on serious misconduct among municipal councillors. This initiative follows years of requests from local politicians and staff seeking tools to manage issues like sexual harassment, discrimination, and ethical violations. The government reintroduced the legislation last May after it was sidelined when Premier Doug Ford called an early election in early 2025.
Ford government reviewing municipal code of conduct amid Pickering council dispute
The mayor of Pickering along with city council members are urging the province to implement stricter penalties for councillors after one member appeared on a podcast where they were called pedophiles, Nazis, and fascists. As CBC’s Chris Glover reports, Doug Ford’s administration confirmed that a review of the Municipal Act is currently underway.
The proposed new bill would mandate a local integrity commissioner investigate allegations of misconduct. If that individual determined that a breach warranted removal from office, it would then go before Ontario’s integrity commissioner for further evaluation.
If that official also recommends removal, it would be sent back to local council for a decision within 30 days. A councillor could only be removed if all council members not involved in the complaint unanimously agree.
Mascarin stated that he believes this bill is “fatally flawed” and would prefer changes which place ultimate decision-making power into a judge’s hands instead.
“It’s almost next to impossible to get any kind of unanimity at the local level on anything that’s even just quasi-contentious,” Mascarin said. “My prediction is it’s never going to work.”
Aim is to pass law before elections, minister states
Municipal Affairs Minister Rob Flack mentioned Tuesday that his aim is indeed to have this legislation passed prior to municipal elections. It still requires one final reading vote and royal assent before becoming law; however he couldn’t specify when those steps might happen.“We’d like to see unanimous support,” Flack added “but we’re still working with the integrity commissioner to make sure we get it right.”“I can’t tell you where it is in the legislative agenda right now,” Flack said. “But yes, our goal is to get it passed.”
Liberal municipal affairs critic Stephen Blais noted that it’s vital for ministry staff enough time so they can prepare materials regarding these changes ahead of candidates participating in this fall’s elections.
NDP municipal affairs critic Jeff Burch-who previously served as city councillor-also commented how efforts surrounding this bill seem stuck.
While he’d prefer amendments made now rather than later,
he’d rather see passage than no changes whatsoever.
“Is there still time? Yes,” Blais said.
“Is the government quickly running out of time? Yes … It leads me believe perhaps they aren’t really interested in moving forward.”
He encourages officials move swiftly with passage prior these fall elections.
“It’s really disheartening seeing no sense urgency or respect from them towards those asking for such legislation,” he remarked.
“It discourages people considering putting their names forward.”Civic leaders seek focus on respect and civility in politics
A group consisting of various municipal politicians visited Queen’s Park recently expressing eagerness towards Bill 9’s passage.</PThis coalition including mayors and councillors launched an initiative titled Elect Respect aimed at ensuring candidates sign pledges committing themselves toward restoring civility within public discourse during upcoming votes.
“Politics has been described as blood sport,” Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward shared during their news conference.We’re here stating enough! No way! Politics means serving community.” Halton Hills Mayor Ann Lawlor voiced her desire see establishment clear provincial standards governing proper discourse across municipalities. “I’m looking forward seeing Bill nine advance within Ontario Legislature so councils meet consistent behavioral expectations required,” she stated.
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